Interior Designer

Position Overview

The Interior Designer position supports the improvement of all interior environments by selecting and applying the right materials, finishes, furniture, and fixtures to make spaces functional and effective. This role handles design planning and specification work, while also serving as a point of coordination between vendors, clients, design colleagues, contractors, and purchasing staff.

Work Location and Schedule

This is an on-site role based in El Paso, Texas. The standard schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend availability required. The role is exempt under FLSA, and the expected start is as soon as possible. The position remains open until filled and may close early once enough qualified applications have been received.

Core Duties

The role includes independently managing projects as well as co-managing assignments with other team members. It involves confirming existing room or office measurements, recording current furniture, equipment, and infrastructure conditions, and coordinating with Space Management and Facilities Services staff.

The designer is expected to keep stakeholders informed about project scope, design direction, schedules, revisions, and budgets as work progresses. The position also uses computer-aided design tools and software such as CAD and Microsoft Office to create drawings, design documentation, and construction schedules.

Other responsibilities include preparing and delivering small to mid-sized presentations and interior drawings for client approval, developing furniture requisitions for purchase orders, submitting work orders, and assembling bid packages. The designer also reviews installation progress, checks delivered furniture and fixtures against schedules, communicates issues with suppliers during installation, and follows through on warranty replacements or repairs.

In partnership with Project Managers and/or Construction Managers, the role supports project closeout activities such as verifying punch lists, obtaining final signatures, confirming remaining front-end requirements, processing payment applications, transferring operations and maintenance manuals to Facilities, and coordinating facility-use and maintenance orientation with contractors and end users when needed. The position also helps maintain university furniture and finish standards and performs other assigned duties.

Compliance and Work Conditions

The position requires adherence to state and university policies, along with familiarity with building life-safety and accessibility codes. It is designated as security-sensitive and subject to criminal history review under Texas Education Code 51.215. Because of the nature of the work, a valid driver’s license issued by the applicant’s state of residence and insurability under UTS 157 may be necessary.

This job may involve responsibilities tied to critical infrastructure under Executive Order GA-48, which means continued employment may require the ability to protect the security or integrity of that infrastructure.

Physical demands may include standing, using hands, reaching, climbing or balancing, and communicating verbally on a regular basis; sitting and bending or crouching frequently; and walking occasionally. Vision requirements include color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may need to wear personal protective equipment such as steel-toe or non-slip shoes, eye protection, a hardhat, and a back belt. The job may require lifting and moving up to 50 pounds. Work conditions may include exposure to moving mechanical equipment, high places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic substances, outdoor weather, occasional electrical shock risk, vibration, and a generally loud environment.

Qualifications

The required background includes an associate degree in interior design or a related field, plus five years of experience connected to the duties of the role, or an equivalent mix of education and experience. A valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred qualifications include a bachelor’s or professional degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related discipline, preferably from a CIDA- or NAAB-accredited program. The ideal candidate has eight years of commercial design experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A valid Texas Board of Architectural Examiners credential, NCARB/NCIDQ certification, or the ability to obtain licensure within two years is preferred.

About the University

The University of Texas at El Paso is a public research university focused on broad access to higher education and on delivering impact in discovery, community, and regional development. It is recognized as a leading Hispanic-serving university and serves a diverse student body at the western edge of Texas. The university is also advancing its 2030 Strategic Plan, with an emphasis on community partnerships, institutional strengths, and regional impact.

Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Names and contact information for three references

Benefits and Perks

Benefits include medical, prescription, life insurance, and access to a wellness platform. Additional voluntary options include dental, vision, extra life insurance, UT Flex, and short- and long-term disability coverage. The role also offers retirement programs, longevity pay, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, employee discounts and perks, and education assistance. Benefit eligibility may differ depending on whether the position is part-time or full-time.

Additional Information

The listed duties are intended to summarize the main responsibilities of the position and are not a complete list. Actual assignments may vary and will be reflected in performance objectives set by the employee’s supervisor or manager.

The university is committed to an inclusive workplace that values diversity and equal opportunity. Employment decisions are made without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The institution also prohibits sexual harassment in accordance with Title IX. Accommodation support for applicants and employees with disabilities is available through the Equal Opportunity Office.

The role is posted with UTEP’s mission of access, excellence, and impact in mind, and the university seeks applicants who support that mission.